North Korea Signals Interest in Building Tokyo Ties
North Korea has been clearly signaling an interest in improving relations with Japan, although there remain far more questions than answers.
Tag Archives: Fumio Kishida
More Reform Kabuki Over Ruling Party Factions
Reform kabuki can never become actual reform until the Liberal Democratic Party is dislodged as Japan’s semi-permanent ruling party.
The Flameout of Fireball Fumio
As he desperately tries to survive the ruling party’s political funds scandal, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida declared that he “will act as a fireball at the forefront of the Liberal Democratic Party and work to restore the trust of the people.” Most analysts, however, see this administration in the midst of a spectacular flameout.
Abe Era Corruption Haunts Kishida Administration
The ghost of Shinzo Abe’s political and financial corruption has again risen up to haunt his successors, staggering the already weak administration of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Kishida Double-Talk on Coal Phaseout
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived at the COP28 World Leaders’ Summit in Dubai without a concrete plan, making headlines with his commitment to phasing out certain coal-fired power plants. However, the absence of a specific deadline for achieving this goal has left the promise largely devoid of substance.
Writing Kishida’s Political Obituary
Across the ideological spectrum, a consensus is emerging: Fumio Kishida is unlikely to last another year as prime minister, and even now, he is only lingering on because no credible and attractive alternative has appeared.
Kishida Skates to a “Profile in Courage”
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has been honored, together with South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol, with a John F. Kennedy “Profile in Courage Award,” despite the fact that he personally has been unwilling to take any political risks to improve Japan-South Korea relations.
Japan’s LGBT Law Pleases No One
Both sides of the political spectrum are disappointed by the newly passed anti-LGBT discrimination law, but for different reasons.
Bread & Roses: Working Without a Job
The phenomenon of “working without a job” is gaining pace around the world, showing no signs of slowing down. But what does working without a job mean? Many readers may have no idea what I’m talking about. This phrase refers to working without employment; meaning that one has zero rights as workers under labor laws.
Japan Becoming Military Spending Great Power
Japan plans to massively increase its defense budget over the next four years, climbing into the ranks of the highest-funded national militaries. Depending on developments–and future currency exchange rates–there is even the possibility that Japan could soon rank as the No. 3 military in the world as measured by its budget.
